Compare 8/42 and 36/56
8/42 is smaller than 36/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 56 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
8/42 = 8 × 4/42 × 4 = 32/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
36/56 = 36 × 3/56 × 3 = 108/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 32/168 < 108/168 or 8/42 < 36/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 16/42 and 36/56 8/42 and 72/56 8/84 and 36/56 24/42 and 36/56 40/42 and 36/56 56/42 and 36/56